Plastic fittings advantages and disadvantages. Disadvantages of fiberglass reinforcement (cons). Pros and cons of fiberglass reinforcement

Reinforcement of concrete monolithic structures plastic materials is increasingly used in construction. This is due to such performance qualities as high strength, durability and lack of corrosion. The last circumstance is especially important when constructing hydraulic structures, bridges and foundations.

Manufacturers of building materials produce 5 types of composite plastic reinforcement:

• glass composite or fiberglass - ASC;
• carbon composite – AUK;
• basalt composite – ABK;
• aramidocomposite - AAC;
• combined – ACC.

From the name you can understand which material is the basic basis for the manufacture of plastic fittings.

General description and manufacturing technology

Due to its low cost and good performance, fiberglass reinforcement is most widely used. Its strength is slightly lower than other composites, but the cost savings justify its use. For its production use:

• staple fiberglass;
• epoxy thermosetting resins as a binder;
• special polymer additives to increase strength and improve other characteristics.

Composite glass plastic fittings for the foundation it can have a smooth or corrugated surface. According to the manufacturing technology, bundles of the required diameter are first formed from fiberglass and impregnated with epoxy resin. Afterwards, to obtain a corrugated variable cross-section, the surface of the smooth rod is wrapped in a spiral with a cord, which is also woven from fiberglass. Then the resulting blanks are polymerized in an oven at high temperature and, after cooling, cut into straight sections or wound into coils.

Specifications

The production of periodic profiles and technical characteristics of fiberglass reinforcement are regulated by GOST 31938-2012. The standard defines:

• types of plastic fittings depending on the materials used;
• nominal diameters ranging from 4 to 32 mm;
• the length of straight rods is from 0.5 to 12 meters;
• possibility of supplying materials in coils with a diameter of up to 8 mm inclusive;
• markings and symbols;
• quality control methods;
• storage and transportation rules.

The weight of the material depends on the size of the cross section and can range from 0.02 to 0.42 kg/m.

Data on ultimate strength and elasticity given in GOST show that these parameters exceed the characteristics of rolled steel with the same diameters. This allows the use of polymer reinforcement in particularly critical structures or when it is necessary to reduce the cross-sections of reinforcing materials.

Area and method of application

Plastic reinforcement is a modern alternative to rolled metal. The identical shape of the rods allows its use using technology similar to steel. A reinforcement frame made of composite plastic reinforcement is formed in the form of a flat mesh or spatial structure designed to strengthen and increase the strength of reinforced concrete monoliths.

Polymer reinforcing materials are used in the construction of roads, bridges, hydraulic structures, columns, walls, ceilings, foundations and other monolithic structures.

The main load falls on the longitudinal rods of the structure. They have a larger cross-section and are located at a distance of no more than 300 mm from each other. Vertical and transverse elements can be located at a distance of 0.5-0.8 m. The connection of individual rods at intersections is carried out using polymer ties or knitting wire. The joining of individual rods on one horizontal line is carried out with an overlap.

Advantages of plastic fittings

When comparing composite rods with metal rods (we have already carried out a comparison in this article), a number of pros and cons of plastic reinforcement are clearly identified. These include:

• reducing the weight of the reinforcement frame by 5-7 times;
• higher strength, allowing the diameter of the rods to be reduced;
• corrosion resistance and chemicals in the composition of concrete;
• simple installation and high speed of assembly of reinforcing frames;
• simplified technology for creating round and oval structures;
• excellent dielectric and thermal insulation properties;
• ease of transportation.

In addition, it should be noted that the length of rods for materials supplied in coils is unlimited, as well as simple cutting of blanks of the required length.

Reinforcement made on the basis of fiberglass is 20-30% inferior in strength to other composites, but is significantly cheaper. Therefore, such material is in higher demand in construction.

Flaws

Among the main disadvantages of composite reinforcing materials, experts call:

• low maximum temperature of use, not exceeding 60-70°C;
• poor mechanical stability under lateral loads;
• the impossibility of bending with a small angle of curvature and the need to use special elements.

It should be noted that there is no regulatory framework for the use of polymers for concrete reinforcement and, often, unreliable technical data from the manufacturer of the material. This makes calculations difficult and forces structures to be assembled with a safety margin.

Technology of foundation reinforcement with composite materials

The low weight of plastic reinforcement for the foundation simplifies the process of assembling a reinforcement frame of any design. At the same time, due to the increased strength of the material, the cross-sectional diameter is taken one number less than for metal analogues.

The technological process of installing concrete monolithic structures using polymer rods consists of the following stages:

1. installation of formwork and marking the pouring level concrete mixture;
2. assembly and installation of the reinforcing frame;
3. pouring concrete into formwork;
4. removal of formwork panels.

Work on the installation of reinforced monolithic structures must be carried out in accordance with the adopted design decisions. The deck configuration must fully correspond to the size and shape of the foundation. As formwork material, you can use standard factory-made panels, boards, moisture-resistant plywood or chipboard. For permanent formwork Expanded polystyrene sheets are most often used.

After assembling and securing the formwork panels, they inside, using a water level, make marks for the upper limit of pouring the concrete mixture. This will reduce the time it takes to complete the job and help distribute the concrete more evenly.

Spatial reinforcing frame for strip foundation

The foundation reinforcement scheme, laying and rod diameter are always indicated in the project. The use of composite reinforcement, especially those based on carbon fiber, makes it possible to reduce the diameter of the rods by one size. The laying of the material must exactly correspond to the calculated data. The frame is assembled on a level area.

The work begins with cutting the workpieces. To do this, pieces of the required length are unwound from the coil and placed on stands at a height of 35-50 mm above the support pad or ground. After this, the transverse jumpers are laid according to the drawing, and at the intersections they are tied with wire or ties. In this way, the bottom row of the spatial reinforcement frame will be assembled.

At the next stage, you need to assemble a lattice completely similar to the first one, lay it on top and then cut it vertical racks design length. The first post is tied at the corner of the flat gratings, the second at the adjacent intersection, as a result, a spatial structure is gradually formed. If there are more horizontal rows, then the second grid is fixed at the required height, and then the next one is fixed. The vertical post in this case is one whole segment.

When assembling the frame, it is necessary to remember that the ends of the reinforcing bars should be located at a distance of 35-50 mm from the formwork. This will create a protective layer of concrete and increase the service life of the structure. For this purpose, it is very convenient to use special plastic clamps.

It is necessary to pour a sand-crushed stone cushion at the bottom of the trench and compact it well. After this, it is recommended to cover the sand layer with geotextile or waterproofing material. This will prevent moisture from entering the concrete and the germination of weeds.

Horizontal reinforcement of slab foundations

When pouring slab-type foundations, horizontal reinforcement technology is used. Its main feature is the absence of turning and adjacent sections. Usually these are two grids located one above the other from long straight rods and vertical posts.

All work is carried out on site. First, according to the design drawing, the lower mesh is knitted, and the upper mesh is laid on top of it. After this, vertical posts are installed, as described for strip structures. The lower mesh must be installed on stands.

Pouring concrete onto a plastic reinforcement frame

Technologically, pouring a concrete mixture is no different from work using steel reinforcement. However, given the lower strength of the material under lateral radial impact, compaction with a vibrator should be done carefully so as not to damage the integrity of the plastic rods.

Reinforced concrete structures are traditionally reinforced with a metal rod, but it is becoming more and more popular Alternative option– fiberglass reinforcement. It replaces steel due to its high performance and technical characteristics. The growing popularity of plastic fittings is also explained by their low price compared to their metal counterparts.

Description

The production and characteristics of the so-called composite reinforcement for concrete monoliths and structures are regulated by GOST 31938-2012 developed according to ISO 10406-1:2008. A high-strength carbon thread is wound onto a base made of specially prepared fiberglass. It improves adhesion to concrete due to its spiral profile.

The main element of composite fiberglass reinforcement is the barrel, made of strong fibers located parallel to each other, united by a polymer resin sintered at high temperatures. The barrel is covered with a fibrous structure applied by spraying or winding in two directions.

According to SNiP 52-01-2003, the use of modern fiberglass reinforcement is possible as a full replacement for metal reinforcement. Each manufacturer indicates technical specifications for its products, which can be used in walls, ceilings, basements and other concrete structures. It is mandatory to provide quality certificates based on examinations and test reports in laboratories.

Kinds

Fiberglass reinforcement classified according to the types of materials used in production. These are non-metallic raw materials of mineral or artificial origin. The industry offers the following types:

• Glass composite (FRP) is a heat-treated mixture of longitudinally located fiberglass and polymer resins.
• Basalt reinforcement or basalt composite (BCP) is made from basalt fibers interconnected by organic resins.
• Carbon fiber reinforcement or carbon composite (AUK) reinforcement has increased strength and is made from hydrocarbon compounds. It is more expensive than composite.
• Aramidocomposite (AAC) is based on polyamide fibers like nylon threads.
• Combined composite (ACC) - based on a fiberglass rod, onto which basalt plastic is tightly wound. This type is not basalt-plastic reinforcement, which is what it is confused with, since it has a fiberglass rod.

Manufacturers offer a large selection of fiberglass reinforcement in thickness. This makes it possible to make both a thin mesh of 4 mm and a strong reinforcing frame with a diameter of 32 mm for load-bearing structures. It is supplied in the form of cut rods or coils up to 100 m long.

This material is available in two types of profiles:

• Conditionally smooth. Made from a main rod coated with a layer of fine quartz sand, which improves adhesion to the concrete mixture;
• Periodic. It is made of a rod onto which a fiberglass strand is tightly wound, resulting in anchor ribs appearing on the rod that securely hold it in the thickness of the concrete.

Advantages and disadvantages

Fiberglass reinforcement new construction material, which is gaining popularity, has characteristics that allow it to be used for load-bearing structures. Its advantages include:

• Corrosion resistance. Fiberglass can be used in aggressive environments. According to this indicator this material 10 times superior to metal.
• Low thermal conductivity of 0.35 W/m∙⁰С, which makes it possible to increase the thermal insulation of a concrete monolith and eliminates the risk of cold bridges. For comparison, the thermal conductivity of steel is 46 W/m∙⁰С.
• High resistivity allows it to be used in the construction of bridges, railway structures, power lines and other structures where there is a risk of penetration electric shock under high voltage.
• Small specific gravity, which allows reducing the pressure of structures on the surface of the soil and foundation. The average density of this material is 1.9 kg/m³, and that of steel is four times higher - 7.9 kg/m³.
• The cost of reinforcement with fiberglass is almost 2 times lower than with metal rods.
• Application in a wide temperature range. It does not lose its properties at temperatures from -60 to +90⁰С.
• Unlike metal, fiberglass has a coefficient of thermal expansion similar to concrete, so a monolith with such reinforcement does not crack during temperature changes.
• No reinforcing mesh is required for installation. welding machine, it is enough to connect it with plastic harnesses and clamps.

Like any material, polymer reinforcement based on fiberglass has disadvantages that are taken into account during operation:

• Insufficient resistance of fiberglass to high temperatures; the resins used to bind the fibers ignite at a temperature of 200⁰C. For private houses or utility rooms this is not a problem, but industrial facility where the concrete monolith must be fireproof, the use of this reinforcement is unacceptable.

• Almost 4 times lower elastic modulus compared to steel.
• When preparing the mesh, bend the composite under the right angle It is almost impossible, due to low fracture strength, such elements have to be ordered from the factory.
• One of the disadvantages of fiberglass composite reinforcement is that it does not allow for rigid reinforcement, and its strength decreases slightly over time.

Characteristics

Composite reinforcement is evaluated according to technical parameters. This material has a relatively low density. Therefore, the weight of a linear meter of fiberglass reinforcement, depending on the diameter, is from 20 to 420 g.

The plastic reinforcement has a constant winding pitch of 15 mm. This is the optimal value so that when minimum cost material, provide high level adhesion with concrete mortar.

Technical characteristics of fiberglass reinforcement are summarized in the table:

Features of production and installation

Any type of fiberglass reinforcement is made from raw fibers bound with polymer resins, to which a hardener and hardening accelerator are added. All components are determined by manufacturers depending on the technologies used, the type and purpose of the elements that will be reinforced with manufactured fiberglass reinforcement.

The material is produced on special production lines. First, the fiberglass is impregnated with resin, hardener and reaction accelerator. After this, it is passed through a die, where the excess resin is squeezed out. Here the fiberglass is compacted and takes on a shape - conventionally smooth or with anchor ribs and a technologically specified diameter.

At the next stage, the composite fiberglass reinforcement is knitted - additional winding in the form of a rope is wound onto it to increase adhesion. After this, it is sent to the oven, where the polymer resins and hardener are set. The resulting products are placed into coils or cut into rods of the required length.

The rods are fastened with plastic clamps or clamps. The edge of the reinforcing mesh should retreat from the formwork by 50 mm, which will create a protective layer of concrete. This is done with improvised means or plastic clamps. If the rod protrudes beyond the formwork, it must be cut with a hacksaw or a grinder with a diamond or abrasive wheel.

It is impossible to bend fiberglass reinforcement on the site without special equipment. After the force stops acting on the rod, it returns to its original shape. If you soften it with temperature and still bend it, it will lose its design characteristics. The only way out is to order pre-curved fiberglass elements from the factory, in which case they will fully meet the technical and operational requirements.

Conclusion

Composite reinforcement may well replace traditional metal construction. It is superior to steel reinforcement in many respects. It is used in the construction of walls, foundations and other structural elements made of blocks and bricks, it is increasingly used to reinforce solid concrete monoliths.

The use of fiberglass composite reinforcement significantly reduces the weight of structural elements, which allows additional savings on the foundation. Restrictions on the use of this material include the requirements fire safety on separate industrial enterprises, in other cases it is a better alternative to metal.

Fiberglass reinforcement is a building material created on the basis of bonded complex composition fibers It is produced on the basis of basalt, glass and carbon fiber, and they can be combined. However, basalt-plastic reinforcement and fiberglass are considered the most popular.

What is it made of?

It consists of two parts. The first is the trunk, thanks to which the high strength of the material is achieved. The fibers are bonded together using polyester composite resins. The outer layer serves for reliable adhesion to concrete: it is a fibrous body that is wound around the trunk in a spiral. It is thanks to this composition that plastic fittings received positive reviews such as reliable material for construction. There are different variations of fitting models, some of which are quite unusual. Fiberglass is used to produce this construction reinforcement. Its peculiarity is that there are practically no analogues in the world, and positive traits significantly expand the scope of application. In addition, this material is modern and efficient, and therefore best suits the requirements of the construction process.

Any fiberglass reinforcement is based on two components. The first is the direct reinforcing material, the second is the binder (a mixture based on the ratio of these components - 75 to 25. In composite reinforcement, all mechanical loads fall on the reinforcing component, while the binder materials are a kind of matrix that evenly distributes load on the entire length of the rod and protects it from external influences.

The most common recipe can be considered the following: glass roving or basalt fiber acts as a reinforcing link; epoxy resin In addition, the material will include a hardener and an accelerator. However, there is no universal composition, since each manufacturer builds its own technological process.

What is the secret of popularity?

It must be said that compared to metal materials, plastic products are in much greater demand today. Moreover, plastic fittings are used in any construction process. This is achieved due to several qualities:

1. Resistance to corrosion, aggressive environments, including the alkaline environment of concrete. Unlike metal, plastic does not rust or break down. These qualities contribute to the fact that plastic structures are widely used in the construction of berths and fencing structures on water bodies.
2. Reliability and strength, which plastic products more than steel ones. It is their reliability that allows them to be used in construction building structures for different purposes and volumes.
3. High tensile strength.
4. Lightness of fittings: for example, compared to the steel variety, plastic is five times less in weight and 11 times less in diameter. These indicators indicate that you can save on construction work, as well as on transporting the material to the site.
5. Low thermal conductivity, due to which cold does not penetrate into the premises. It is no coincidence that plastic reinforcement for foundations is increasingly being used: during its construction it is possible to achieve high energy efficiency through economical materials.
6. Resistant to radio waves.
7. Possibility of use in various temperature conditions: from -70 to +100 degrees.
8. Cost: buy linear meter plastic fittings will be much cheaper compared to, for example, a one-meter piece of metal rod.

Features of composite fiberglass

Composite fiberglass reinforcement appeared on domestic market not so long ago and today it is considered new technology. Such plastic fittings also received good reviews, since they have a number of advantages compared to their metal counterparts. Firstly, such structures are light in weight, so there will not be too much load on the foundation, which means the building will last much longer. Secondly, due to its high tensile strength, such reinforcement can be used for the construction of complex structures. design features objects. Thirdly, the composite material is resistant to aggressive environments and does not conduct electric current.

On the other hand, composite plastic reinforcement has a weaker elastic modulus compared to steel products. The elasticity is lost especially strongly when the composite is heated to 600 degrees. But on the other hand, it is precisely this characteristic that speaks in favor of the fact that plastic reinforcement has also been used for foundation installation, where tensile strength is very important.

Where are composites needed?

1. In floor slabs: as a rule, reinforcement is laid in the upper or lower zone of concrete, and the concrete class should be B25.
2. When reinforcing structures made of concrete and reinforced concrete.
3. When constructing foundations that have a zero elevation.
4. In reinforced structures that are exposed to aggressive environments.
5. During repair work associated with damage to concrete due to exposure to aggressive environments.
6. For reinforcement brickwork, especially if it is performed in winter.

Where is fiberglass reinforcement used?

The scope of application of this building material is extensive:

1. Due to its tensile strength, it is advisable to use fiberglass specifically for the construction of foundations for objects. Firstly, installation will be simple. Secondly, the base will be strong. Plastic reinforcement for foundations receives positive reviews due to the fact that it allows you to create a monolithic foundation. It is placed directly into concrete mortar during the pouring process, due to which the adhesion of the materials becomes stronger. To prevent the formation of pores and cavities at the joint, specialists use special vibration equipment.
2. When installing high voltage power lines. Since the material does not conduct current, energy will be lost minimally, and its operation will be safe.
3. Plastic fittings receive positive reviews from builders due to their versatility. Thus, it can be used to strengthen the strength of road surfaces, supports, and bridges.
4. Composite materials form the basis for the production of sleepers. Due to the intense vibration that causes concrete to disintegrate, it was necessary new material, and fiberglass reinforcement became the right and effective solution.
5. The metal is not resistant to aggressive environments, high humidity, solvents and acids, respectively, its service life is not very long. Fiberglass, used in the construction of docks, berths, and various barriers on the coastline, shows the best performance characteristics.
6. Plastic reinforcement is also used in mine equipment when securing a special mesh, which protects the walls and vaults of the mine from collapse and secures them.
7. You cannot do without this material when attaching insulating or facing material on the finished wall.

Types of fiberglass reinforcement

Today, plastic reinforcement is used more and more often in construction, due to its unique characteristics. In addition, under composite reinforcement today it is understood whole line non-metallic structures, which significantly expand the scope of their application. Thus, modern manufacturers offer fiberglass and basalt plastic reinforcement. At the same time, the polymer resins that bind the fibers can be a variety of substances, each of which has its own characteristics.

Any building material is used based on certain rules and requirements. This also applies to composite reinforcement. Plastic reinforcement, the characteristics of which are so diverse, is used in construction based on SNiP approved back in 2003. By the way, each type of material is controlled by the manufacturer, and therefore the fittings must comply with the parameters that were originally stated.

Foundation reinforcement: how to choose?

Today, in private housing construction, plastic reinforcement for foundations is increasingly used. Experts advise that when choosing it, contact official dealers and reliable manufacturers, since the strength and durability of the building as a whole will depend on the quality of the material. The quality of the product, as well as the density of glass roving winding along the entire length of the rod, play a big role. The coils must also be filled with high quality. Materials good quality- this is the most optimal choice when equipping any foundation - slab, strip or columnar. The type should be chosen depending on the bearing capacity of the soil, as well as the load on the building as a whole.

Foundation reinforcement is necessary in order to make the loads on the base of the building more uniform during operation. Concrete has compressive strength, but its structural integrity can be compromised by stress. It is with the help of reinforcement that greater adhesion to concrete is achieved, and accordingly, the foundation becomes stronger and more reliable. The main requirements when choosing fittings should be the following:

• ensuring rigid adhesion to concrete;
• durability;
• flexibility;
• resistance to rust and corrosion.

The fittings can be working, that is, reducing voltage and external loads, as well as distributive, when the load is evenly distributed on each rod - this helps to preserve correct location working rods. Using clamps, the rods are tied into a frame, protecting the concrete from cracking. Transverse rods protect against the occurrence of inclined cracks in the foundation, and longitudinal rods protect against vertical cracks.

Slab foundation

When constructing this type of foundation, you need reinforcement with a ribbed surface with a diameter of at least 10 mm. It is the diameter that affects how strong the reinforcement will be. Plastic reinforcement for the foundation, reviews of which are so good, should be selected depending on the type of soil. Let’s say that if it is non-heaving and dense, that is, with good load-bearing capacity and resistance to deformation, the thickness and diameter can be small. If the house is massive, but on soft soil, the reinforcement should be thicker - approximately 14-16 mm. With this option, the reinforcement of the slab will be top and bottom, and the total number of rods will be more than 100. Knitting can be done in several ways. For example, first the reinforcement bars in the lower chord can be connected longitudinally and transversely, then vertical bars are attached to them, then again transversely and longitudinally. When tying fiberglass reinforcement, it makes sense to use plastic clamps and ties. This is the so-called tying of reinforcement with plastic clamps.

Strip foundation

As a rule, the strip base has a height greater than its width. Accordingly, the tape due small size It is prone to bending, and therefore when constructing such a foundation, reinforcement with a smaller diameter can be used. The peculiarity of this base is that two reinforcement belts will be needed regardless of its height. The process of laying reinforcement will be as follows: rods are laid longitudinally in the upper and lower parts of the foundation at a distance of up to 5 cm from the surface of the concrete - they will bear the entire load in case of deformation. Reinforcement with several bars can be used for weak or moving soil, as well as for the construction of oversized houses. Ideal for construction strip foundation fiberglass reinforcement - grades f6 and f7 (for one-story houses), grades f8 and f10 - for residential buildings with an attic or two floors.

Columnar foundation

Plastic reinforcement is also good (reviews confirm this) when constructing this structure. When reinforcing columns, metal reinforcement with a diameter of 10 mm or fiberglass reinforcement 6 is useful. For vertical rods, it is better to choose reinforcement with a ribbed surface, and horizontal ones are needed only for tying the rods into a single frame. The reinforcement frame consists of 2-4 rods as long as the height of the pillar. For example, when reinforcing a pillar 2 meters high and 20 cm in diameter, you will need four f6 rods. They need to be placed 10 cm from each other, and also tied with smooth reinforcement with a diameter of f4 or f5. For any type of foundation, you will also need reinforcement for plastic pipes.

Features of reinforcement knitting

The foundation is an important component of any building; its quality and reliability are the guarantee that it will last a long time and serve reliably. The reinforcement of the base must be approached wisely. Let's look at how plastic reinforcement is knitted for a strip foundation, since this is what is used most often in private housing construction. Knitting is needed in order to make the structure of the reinforcement frame uniform and more durable. The rods are tied in the places where they intersect. A piece of wire is bent in the middle, then it is put on a special hook, which is applied to the reinforcement and tightened. A simpler method of knitting involves the use of plastic ties.

When creating a reinforcing system, plastic is important shut-off valves. Its main function is to promote stronger and more reliable fastening of plastic rods to each other. The most popular parts in this regard are considered to be fasteners, which are special and help create a protective layer with certain thickness in concrete. The plastic fixture for reinforcement is created by casting from polyethylene under high pressure. They are needed in order to securely fasten reinforcing bars and frames in space, which will provide a protective layer in a concrete or reinforced concrete structure. Clamps can be used for horizontal and vertical surfaces, as well as for creating formwork.

How are plastic fittings made?

When you decide to build your house, pay attention to many little things and start with building the foundation. Many people are interested in the question of where to buy plastic fittings. Experts advise turning to trusted companies, since the longevity of the structure itself depends on the foundation of the house, its quality and reliability. Equipment for the production of fittings is quite expensive, and the quality of the materials depends on its quality.

Plastic fittings, the production of which is carried out on high-tech equipment, can be produced in different diameters - 4-24 mm. Depending on the type of line, different numbers of rods will be produced, as well as different sections. As a rule, the delivery package includes a whole range of devices - from a thread heating device and an impregnation bath to a drawing device and a control cabinet. Therefore, plastic reinforcement equipment should be selected correctly to make the process efficient.

Plastic fittings: customer reviews

In their reviews, builders - experienced and not so experienced - agree on one thing: plastic reinforcement is simply ideal for installing a foundation. For example, some have used a combination of steel and plastic rods: foundation slabs and the basement walls were created on the basis of plastic, and the floors, where more strong materials, were built on a steel basis. Many also note the convenience of knitting compared to metal reinforcement, which is supplied in one rod. In terms of tensile strength and resistance to rotting, there is also no better plastic reinforcement.

But, on the other hand, it cannot do without negative reviews. True, judging by them, these shortcomings are more than offset by advantages. For example, there is an opinion that after working with fiberglass your hands itch. In addition, it is almost impossible to bend it to make, for example, corners in the form of the letters L or P. At the same time, the manufacturers themselves emphasize that fiberglass reinforcement should be used exclusively for foundation installation.

Steel or plastic: what to choose

For a beginner in construction, the choice of materials is always an important issue. For example, when designing a foundation, it is important to perform proper tying of reinforcement. Of course, in the case of building a bathhouse, you can use simple metal rods, but what to choose for a good-quality home? Today there is a choice between steel and plastic structures, each of which has its own distinctive features and disadvantages. If we talk about the advantages, they can be reduced to the following points:

As you can see, the advantages plastic variety still more. The disadvantages of steel include: the occurrence of corrosion and the large weight of the structure, while plastic reinforcement is only difficult to bend. Thus, in terms of its technical characteristics, fiberglass reinforcement is in no way inferior to steel reinforcement, and at the same time it costs less. On the other hand, it is very important to remember about the peculiarities of building a particular house. For example, if you need to connect the facing material and the wall, you can use plastic-based reinforcement. But when installing concrete floors with reinforcement, it is better to use metal constructions, because due to their heavy weight they will not float up when pouring concrete. Thus, when choosing structures for reinforcement, it is worth considering several factors at once, which means that it is better to use professional help from specialists.

When constructing any building, a foundation is required. To make it stronger, reinforcement is inserted into the concrete. Previously, it was made exclusively of metal. Modern technologies allow the production of reinforcement from composites. It has its pros and cons, and therefore before using it in the construction of a bathhouse, you should carefully study the features.

Features of the material

Reinforcement, which is made from various composites, has found application in both private and capital construction.

Composite reinforcement comes in two types depending on the material of manufacture. It is made from fiberglass or basalt fiber. The latter costs much more, although its properties slightly exceed the quality of fiberglass rods.

The peculiarity of composite reinforcement is that it consists of two layers - internal and external. Interior- This is a core of fibers arranged in parallel. These fibers are combined with each other by a composite of epoxy or polyester resins. The characteristics of the reinforcement depend on the core.

Fibers are wound onto the core in the form of a spiral, which are also combined with each other using a composite. This part is responsible for adhesion to the concrete solution.

Since the composite material does not have sufficient flexural strength, it is not suitable for knitting when laying steel bars. For this it is better to use plastic clamps.

Advantages and disadvantages

Carbon fiber rods are fastened with special clamps; there is no need to use welding for fastening

The advantages of composite reinforcement include:

• light weight;
• the cost is lower than that of metal;
• strength;
• resistance to aggressive environments;
• excellent thermal insulation properties, which is the main advantage when building a bathhouse;
• is not a conductor and therefore does not interfere with radio waves;
• service life can be 80 years;
• The reinforcement is sold in coils, and therefore the length of the rod is unlimited.

And yet, composite reinforcement also has disadvantages:

• it cannot be operated at temperatures above 200°C;
• not too elastic. However, the last drawback is important only in the construction of high-rise buildings. In the foundation of a bathhouse, elasticity does not play any role.

If you are not going to heat the bathhouse foundation too much high temperatures, That best choice is the use of composite reinforcement. Durable and lightweight material, which can be cut into pieces of any length, has excellent reinforcing properties.

After the invention of composite reinforcement, the pros and cons of the new material remained the subject of heated debate for some time. But practice has shown that the technical and operational characteristics of the material allow it to successfully compete with classical steel reinforcement. For the production of composite reinforcement, fibers impregnated with a special substance - a hardener - are used.

Like steel, composite construction has ribs to improve adhesion to concrete. In some cases, the ribs are replaced with sand spraying.

Types of composite reinforcement

The production of reinforcing rods of this type is carried out from different fibers. This feature determines the type of composite reinforcement:

Carbon fiber and Kevlar reinforcement differs from other types in its increased elastic modulus characteristics. These materials are very expensive and are mainly used in the construction of military facilities. Civil Engineering prefers to use fiberglass reinforcement. It is the optimal combination technical characteristics and affordable price.

Advantages of composite reinforcement

All consumers note the relatively light weight of the material. On average, there is only 0.07 kg per linear meter. Fiberglass reinforcement is 5 times lighter than metal. This feature simplifies the transportation of the material and its installation. During installation, it is enough to use binding wire or plastic clamps to obtain a durable structure.

In the construction of medical centers, laboratories, and testing facilities, composite reinforcement is increasingly used due to its dielectric properties. It is inert to:

• electricity;
• magnetic field;
• radio waves.

The chemical stability of the material allows it to be successfully used in areas with high alkalinity and acidity of soils. In this case, the foundation retains its properties even after partial damage to the concrete. Fiberglass reinforcement is resistant to acids and alkalis, which include sea water, solvents, bitumen, and concrete laitance. At the same time, high corrosion resistance is observed. Thermosetting resins do not react with water, so composite reinforcement is not subject to oxidation.

The possibility of concrete delamination due to sudden temperature changes when using composite reinforcement is minimized. This is explained by the similar value of the thermal expansion index for glass composite and concrete.

Disadvantages of composite material

Fiberglass reinforcement has a small number of disadvantages, but each of them imposes certain restrictions on working with it. For example, it can only be worked at temperatures above -10°C. This is due to the fact that at lower temperatures the material becomes brittle, unable to withstand even minimal loads.

At mechanically When pouring concrete, the structure made of composite material is characterized by poor stability. At manual way filling this problem is easier to deal with.

Fiberglass reinforcement has significantly lower modulus elasticity characteristics than steel. In the case of fiberglass, the elastic modulus differs by 4 times. With the slightest defect in the placement of reinforcement, this indicator can cause cracking or delamination due to the weak tensile strength of the material. Craftsmen and engineers need to carry out additional calculations when working to ensure high strength of the structure.

Fiberglass composite cannot cope with increased loads, for example, curved areas, exit points for connection to walls. Such areas require working with metal.

According to the experts, the disadvantages of the material include other features of working with it:

At the same time, manufacturers are often ready to offer ready-made curved parts different sizes. Research to find a way to increase the strength of the composite material is still underway. Already presented on the market various options, significantly different in their properties.

Comparison of metal and composite reinforcement

The pros and cons of fiberglass reinforcement are easier to identify when comparing the main characteristics with metal. The main problem reinforced concrete structures considered to be corrosion of metal elements. During the work process, they often resort to additional costs for primer mixtures, but even they are not able to protect the metal from rust. Rust causes concrete to deteriorate.

The advantage of composite materials is their tensile strength. Metal is 3 times inferior. Light weight saves on shipping and labor when loading or unloading. If composite rods are cut by specialists directly at the construction site, then the customer gets the opportunity to save on material scraps. In warm weather, composite fibers of any thickness can be easily cut with wire cutters or bolt cutters.

The material is resistant to temperature changes. At the same time, fiberglass, due to its thermal expansion index, does not cause concrete defects. This is another plus in favor of composite structures. The low modulus of elasticity of fiberglass reinforcement is successfully compensated by reducing heat loss. Unlike metal, composite fibers do not provoke the appearance of cold bridges in concrete.

Many craftsmen, in their reviews of the properties of composite structures, include an indication of the possibility of completely replacing metal with fiberglass. It is already confidently used for:

According to consumer reviews, fiberglass reinforcement is much more economical than metal. At the same time, the price per linear meter of composite fiber is slightly higher than for steel. The benefit is achieved by the absence of scraps, ease of storage, transportation, and the absence of the need for welding work and additional treatment of the structure with special protective compounds.

There are enough advantages of fiberglass reinforcement, but for me it has one significant drawback. When sawing, it raises dust from small particles glass It is not always possible to work in thick glasses and a respirator, so after filing you feel as if there are a million glass splinters in your throat and nose.

Ivan. Concrete worker. 4 years of experience

My husband and I were planning to install a bathhouse. When purchasing fittings, they diligently tried to convince us to choose fiberglass, claiming that, according to experts, it is better in many respects. Before my eyes, the child broke off a piece of the rod with his hands. But the seller insisted that this was normal, because the reinforcement must withstand longitudinal loads. In general, I was categorically against it, and my husband was tempted by the low cost. It turned out that it was more convenient to install than metal. We poured the foundation and it has been successfully standing under the bathhouse for 3 years. Didn't burst, didn't bend over.

For a long time, customers have been suspicious of composite reinforcement. But over the last 5 years it has started to become popular. Accordingly, many factories began to produce it. To attract the attention of the buyer, various dyes are added and the number of winding ribs is increased. In practice, it turned out that some color pigments impair the strength of the fiber, and the number of ribs affects only the cost. Otherwise, I’m happy with the composite reinforcement: it’s comfortable to work with.

Oleg. Concrete worker. 8 years of experience